When you think of a business owner, what comes to mind?

Someone in a suit and tie, perhaps carrying a briefcase? An executive typing away on a laptop in a high-rise building?

In Essex County, many of our local entrepreneurs don’t fit that stereotypical “businessperson” image. In fact, they don’t all live and work within the city limits, and their offices are a little more – well, open concept.

From the innovative agritech companies of Essex to “green” manufacturers in Lakeshore and founders making medical advancements in Amherstburg, our region is home to entrepreneurs from virtually every industry. With such a diverse range of innovators and thought leaders, how does one connect the dots? How do we come together to support one another and create a cohesive strategy for success, both as individual businesses and our region as a whole?

Enter WEtech Alliance‘s Innovation Outposts.

Over the past two years, WEtech has set out to meet entrepreneurs where they’re at and connect them to valuable resources and like-minded businesspeople through Innovation Outposts, a program designed to support rural entrepreneurs with connections, business supports, and programming.

In partnership with Libro Credit Union, we host an array of engaging networking events aimed at activating these communities and fostering business development. Last year, we saw eight successful events across Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent, with 240 entrepreneurs and community members registered, and supported dozens of entrepreneurs and small businesses through catering, experiences, event space and rentals, and more.

Part networking event, part workshop, and part fun night out, these Innovation Outposts have been well received across our municipalities and we are excited to kick off another season of stops this summer, with events planned in Amherstburg, Kingsville, and Essex, as well as in the Chatham Kent region.

Some of the topics we’ll be focusing on this year include . ..

• The latest tech tools and tips for improving your company’s social media presence.
• Innovations in our region’s agri-tourism.
• Financing and funding opportunities.

The goal is to empower our local entrepreneurs and create opportunities for people to succeed, no matter where they live.

We look forward to seeing you at an Outpost event this season. Please refer to: WEtech-Alliance.com/outposts to find out where we’ll be next!